Dreaming of the Homestead
Crystal Miller
Do you dream of living in the country and having a homestead some day? I
understand where you are at very much! I spent many years dreaming of the
homestead I was hoping and praying that I would have one day. I would like to
encourage all of you that dream of a homestead someday to keep your hopes up
today. There are proactive things you can do right now while you wait for the
day that you will live on your own piece of land.

Remember homesteading is a way of life. It is a desire for simpler things
as well as a desire to have space and room to move around. It is a place for
animals and for gardens and for living a life that helps you to work towards
doing as many things as you can on your own. I will never expect to be able to
provide all of my families needs myself. BUT I will continue to work towards as
many things as possible. I believe this improves the quality of home life
immensely. Yes we “can” go out and buy all that we need, but every time you
provide those things with your own hands you give your life a different quality,
a different look and a different purpose.

As you being to make changes to a homestead way of life, don’t think that
the first step is moving to a piece of property. Yes this is a big and
important step but it is not the first step. The first step it to think in a
more self sufficient way. Anything you do you can ask yourself, “How could I do
this or make this myself?” Could I learn to sew and make myself the jumper or
skirt that I want or the sweats for my kids? Or perhaps a quilt for my bed?
Can I learn to bake my own bread, make my own convenience foods or learn how to
can up some applesauce for the family??

Could you raise a few bunnies to learn about animals and even sell some of
the babies? My oldest daughter did this for a few years. She talked with pet
stores and found out what they were interested in and then raised them and sold
them from our home and to pet stores. Or how about owning chickens? Some cities
allow you to have a few hens in your backyard. Check into what your city
ordinances may be on this. These are good experiences that could be applied to
animals that you may own in the future.

Don’t forget about a backyard garden! While you may not be able to provide
all of your family’s vegetables, just being able to put your own homegrown
cucumbers and tomatoes in your salad is exciting. Sitting down to a dinner of
homemade lasagna, homemade fresh bread and corn on the cob from your own garden
is a joy to be sure! Don’t forget flower beds too.